Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme 2026

This scheme offers financial aid to organizations dedicated to preserving traditional Indian performing arts via the Guru-Shishya Read More... model, ensuring cultural heritage continues through mentorship and training. Read less

Details

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has introduced a significant scheme called the 'Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)'. This initiative aims to support organizations that are actively involved in nurturing and preserving India's rich performing arts traditions.

What is the Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant) Scheme?

This scheme provides much-needed financial support to various performing arts groups. This includes drama and theatre troupes, music ensembles, children's theatre groups, and essentially all forms of performing arts that adhere to the traditional Guru-Shishya learning model. The Ministry will monitor the progress and effectiveness of the supported organizations through regular checks and field visits.

Who Can Benefit from This Scheme?

The scheme is designed for professional organizations that work in performing arts. This includes those with drama groups, theatre groups, music ensembles, and children's theatre, all of which should possess a substantial and high-quality repertoire and have a track record of performances across India.

Why This Scheme is Important

The Guru-Shishya Parampara is a cornerstone of Indian cultural heritage, involving the direct transmission of knowledge and skills from a master (Guru) to a disciple (Shishya). This scheme ensures that these invaluable traditions continue to thrive by providing financial stability to the institutions that are dedicated to this practice. It helps artists and Gurus sustain their efforts in passing down artistic legacies to future generations, thus safeguarding India's diverse cultural fabric.

Objective

This scheme offers financial aid to organizations dedicated to preserving traditional Indian performing arts via the Guru-Shishya model, ensuring cultural heritage continues through mentorship and training.

Benefits

Amount of Scholarship (Paid annually):

₹2,500/- per month (For Boys)
₹3000/- per month (For Girls)

Notes:

A total number of 5500 wards/ widows of Ex-servicemen are selected for scholarship in each academic year.
Scholarships are equally divided amongst boys and girls i.e. 2750 each.
Scholarships are paid for a period of two to five years as per the duration of the courses approved by the concerned government regulatory bodies.
Scholarship amount is paid annually to the selected students.
The payment is made through ECS into the bank account of the selected students.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Organizations must be involved in performing arts, such as dramatic groups, theatre groups, music ensembles, and children's theatre.
Applicant groups should have a well-established repertoire of sufficient quantity and quality, and have a history of performing across India.
An organization can receive only one grant in a single financial year.
The scheme's financial assistance is subject to an annual review by an Expert Committee.
Physical verification of organizations receiving assistance is mandatory every four years for continued support.
To be eligible for renewal, organizations must stage at least two productions annually, with at least one being a new production.
For renewal, organizations must organize at least two cultural activities (like functions, lectures, workshops) in nearby schools. A certificate from the school principal is required.
Organizations need to upload videos of their productions or events on YouTube and share the link with the Ministry of Culture. Public comments on these videos will be considered for renewal.

How To Apply

Prepare the application in the prescribed format, along with all required documents and the checklist.
The hard copy of the application and all supporting documents should be sent to:
The Director, National School of Drama, Bahawalpur House, Plot No. 1, Bhagwan Das Road, New Delhi-110001.

Note: Applications are typically submitted offline to the specified address.

Documents Required

Details of the applicant organization, including press reviews, advertisements, and ticket souvenirs from previous activities.
A copy of the organization's Registration Certificate, Memorandum of Association/Deed, and Bye-laws.
Proof of Unique ID from the NGO-DARPAN Portal.
Copy of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card.
Duly filled and signed Resolution in the prescribed format.
Duly filled and signed Indemnity Bond in the prescribed format, with signatures from two witnesses.
Complete details of the Guru/Director and Shisya/Artists, including their bank account information. Any changes must be reported immediately.
A clear justification for seeking financial assistance (fresh application, renewal, or enhancement).
Audited statements of accounts for the last three years, showing income, expenditure, receipts, and payments.
Income Tax Assessment orders for the last three years.
Balance sheets for the last three years with an auditor's certificate.
Utilization Certificate (FORM GFR 12-A) and a receipts & payment statement issued by a Chartered Accountant for the last grant received.
Press reviews, advertisements, and ticket souvenirs of past productions.
Documentary proof (e.g., bank statements of beneficiaries) showing that the cash component of the previous year's grant was transferred electronically to each individual beneficiary (Guru and Shishya/Artist). This is mandatory for renewal.
A duly filled and signed Bank Proforma/Authorization letter, verified by the bank manager.
A completed checklist accompanying the application form.
Recommendation letter from concerned State Governments/UT Administrations or National/State Academies like NSD, Kalakshetra Foundation, CCRT, IGNCA, ZCCs, or similar bodies. (Padma Awardees are exempt from this requirement).
Annual action plan of the organization, including:

Details of at least two cultural activities organized in nearby schools, with a certificate from the principal.
Annual program details for at least two productions (one must be new), including estimated costs.
Proof of uploading videos on YouTube and providing links to the Ministry of Culture's social media pages, along with public comments received.

FAQ’s

What is the main goal of the 'Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara' scheme?

The scheme aims to provide financial aid to performing arts organizations like drama groups, music ensembles, and children's theatre to help them preserve and promote the traditional Guru-Shishya learning method.

Who is responsible for running this scheme?

This scheme is managed by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

What is the monthly financial support given to a Guru or Director under this program?

Each Guru or Director can receive financial assistance of ₹15,000/- per month through this scheme.

Can you explain the monthly financial aid for the Shisyas or Artists?

Yes, Shisyas or Artists receive financial aid ranging from ₹2,000/- to ₹10,000/- monthly, depending on their age group. Those aged 3 to under 6 get ₹2,000/-, 6 to under 12 get ₹3,500/-, 12 to under 18 get ₹7,500/-, and adults aged 18 and above get ₹10,000/-.

Which types of organizations are eligible to apply for this grant?

Professional organizations in performing arts, including dramatic groups, theatre troupes, music ensembles, and children's theatre groups, are eligible to apply.

How many times can an organization receive a grant in one financial year?

An organization is eligible to receive only one grant within a single financial year under this scheme.

How are the grant amounts disbursed to the organizations?

The financial assistance is typically disbursed in a single installment after the organization meets the necessary conditions when applying for a grant renewal.

Is it a requirement for organizations to conduct cultural activities in schools?

Yes, it is mandatory for organizations receiving financial assistance to organize at least two cultural activities (like functions, lectures, or workshops) in schools located nearby. A certificate from the school principal is essential for the renewal and release of the grant.

What is the crucial condition for renewing the grant for an organization?

For grant renewal, organizations must upload videos of their productions or events on YouTube and provide a link to the Ministry of Culture's social media pages. Public comments received on these videos are also considered during the renewal process.

Where can I find the official application form for this scheme?

The application form can be downloaded from the official website of the Ministry of Culture. The direct link provided is: https://indiaculture.gov.in/sites/default/files/Schemes/revised_form_of_repertory_grant_11112022.pdf

How should an organization submit its application for this scheme?

You need to send the hard copy of your application, along with all required enclosures and the checklist, to: "The Director, National School of Drama, Bahawalpur House, Plot No. 1, Bhagwan Das Road, New Delhi-110001."